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To Jeremy M.
Sir: As a United States Marine, you will be a family-member
of the greatest fraternity in the History of man. And, as such,
you will be charged with (and will faithfully carry out) the
duty of protection of the rights and freedoms of ALL who are
blessed enough to live in our Great Nation. Your History teacher
and the others in your life who today deride your decision to
become a United Sates Marine will be among those for whom you
will lay your life on the line to defend. "No greater love has a
man that he lays down his life for another."
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As an obviously intelligent man, you can do the math: which is
easier to shoot off: an ill-informed mouth with a captive
audience of High School young people, or a Weapon to save the
lives of innocent non-combatants and fellow warriors. Which would
any human being rather have: the deep-seated knowledge that they
lived a life that had an end, or the Glory of knowing that on the
Seventh Day, He rested, and the Marines overran His perimeter and
have been guarding the Zone ever since (it’s in the Book of
Genesis - look it up) - a life that will go on forever, because
the Marine Corps will go on forever. When assailed by those who
would tell you "you’re too good to be just a Marine," take a
moment and look deeply into your Soul - down in your 'NO B.S.
Zone' -- and know that your decision is the right one, and their
ignorance is just part of the freedom you will defend (yes -
there is a portion of the Bill of Rights that is usually edited
out: (The Freedom to be stupid).
Semper Fidelis, Semper
Paratus, Poolee
Connely/R USMC RVN ’66 - ‘68
June 7, 2008
By Tom Segel
Harlingen, Texas June 7, 2008: It started with a short note
from a Marine friend asking me for a bit of help. The lady he
was championing is Sharon Hyland-Kyser. The name didn’t trigger
any pings in my memory bank, so I went to my all-knowing writing
assistant - Google. According to that trusted search engine, the
name Sharon Hyland-Kyser was contained in more than 3,500
Internet entries. She is the lady who welcomes home heroes.
Her story has been told with far better words than I can place
in print. Briefly, Sharon was asking herself a searching
question after the great national tragedy of 9-11. She was
asking what she could do to help keep her country strong and
safe. This thought remained in her mind as she completed
college and entered the business world. As the business agent
for a large construction company, Sharon was well on her way to
success in a very lucrative position.
Being the wife of a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade
and coming from a family where father, grandfather and great
grandfather were all Marines, Sharon was well aware of how
poorly some of our young warriors have been treated by their own
countrymen.
It was in the Philadelphia Airport that she noticed some of the
soldiers returning home were walking past almost anonymous. No
greetings, no cheers, no welcoming reception. This, she
decided, was wrong, and a situation that had to be corrected.
A giant move in that direction took place last July when Sharon
Hyland-Kyser quit her big six-figure a year job, rolled up her
sleeves, and started an organization called "A Hero’s Welcome".
It was all based on her belief that nobody wearing the uniform
of the United States of America should return from war without a
strong welcome home.
She started out small, turning out groups of people with signs
and flags to greet any service man or woman they learned was
returning home. "A Hero’s Welcome" caught fire. Its efforts
started being coordinated with other patriotic organizations
such as Gathering of Eagles, Warriors Watch and the Patriot
Guard Riders. People started contacting Sharon about helping
out in other areas of the country. There were stories in local
newspapers and on home-town television. Glenn Beck interviewed
her on his national television show. In less than one year, "A
Hero’s Welcome" grew to more than 30 chapters across the United
States. The result has been more than 1,500 American Heroes
have been welcomed home from combat and the number gets larger
as the pages of our calendar turn.
But, the story doesn’t end here. At this hour Sharon’s
paratrooper husband finds himself and his fellow soldiers in
combat. The 173rd Airborne Brigade has been committed to the
conflict in Afghanistan. Sharon could have remained a Blue Star
Wife, supported her husband and continued her welcoming home
efforts. But, none of this was enough. This past weekend, she
raised her hand and took the oath as a United States Marine.
She is no longer just the founder of "A Hero’s Welcome", she is:
Candidate Hyland-Kyser, Sharon 2671 Officer Candidate School
Semper Fidelis Tom Segel
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been
the reward for what he gave."
Calvin Coolidge
Hi, our son LCPL William (Billy) Spencer was killed in Iraq on
December 28, 2006, he was going after his squad leader, to pull
him out of the street after he had been shot, Billy was also
shot by the same sniper, so was the young man that went after
Billy, Billy was our youngest child, 20 when he was killed, so
to my point, everyone in the family has tattoos, all 6 of us,
except my husband, who was never to crazy about the idea, I had
a few before we married still didn't care for them now is
different, he went with the rest of us and this is a picture of
after sitting for about 6 hours what he came out with! He is a
changed man, of course, but now everywhere he goes our son is
sure to go too! a little peace is what he now has. We are so
proud of our son, our hero, that I thought you would like to see
him to, we know you are proud of all our soldiers and our
heroes, so we just wanted to share.
Thank You
Gold Star Mom
Dawn Spencer
This picture says it all.
May 8, 2008
Parris Island, South Carolina
LCpl James E. Newman, Pvt Crystal L. Wiley-Newman, Pfc Joshua W.
Newman and LCpl Stephen A. Newman
"The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have
past at home in the bosom of my family. "
Thomas Jefferson
Secrets of WWII
I recently read a post in the newsletter about a Marine whose
father "ran the train and that's all" during WWII. Similarly, I
grew up hearing stories of my Dad and his brother playing
football and baseball all across Europe during WWII and never
engaging in combat. However, as a teenage I learned my uncle
was a nose-gunner in the Army Air Corps and had in fact seen a
considerable amount of combat. But it was not until I joined
the Marines that I learned the rest of the story about my Dad. I
was getting ready to leave for the airport to begin my trek
overseas when Dad called me into his bedroom. He had pulled a
small jewelry box out of his dresser and showed me his WWII
ribbons. They included a Purple Heart with 3 clusters. He told
me he landed at LeHarve, France in late 1944 and I could figure
out the rest. With that he said, "Don't ever tell your Mother
what you are asked to do. You always enjoyed baseball, she will
believe that is what you are doing."
I never had to tell Mom the baseball story and I had a greater
understanding of my Dad.
Bob Ehrle, Corporal USMC 1975-1980
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christina M. Williams in Iraq with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
"Character is the single most important ingredient of
leadership."
Gen. H. Norman Schwartzkopf
My Heart on the Line By Frank Schaeffer The Washington Post
Before my son became a Marine, I never thought much about who
was defending me. Now when I read of the war on terrorism or the
coming conflict in Iraq , it cuts to my heart. When I see a
picture of a member of our military who has been killed, I read
his or her name very carefully. Sometimes I cry.
In 1999, when the barrel-chested Marine recruiter showed up in
dress blues and bedazzled my son John, I did not stand in the
way. John was headstrong, and he seemed to understand these
stern, clean men with straight backs and flawless uniforms. I
did not. I live in the Volvo-driving, higher education-
worshiping North Shore of Boston. I write novels for a living. I
have never served in the military.
It had been hard enough sending my two older children off to
Georgetown and New York University . John's enlisting was
unexpected, so deeply unsettling. I did not relish the prospect
of answering the question, "So where is John going to college?"
from the parents who were itching to tell me all about how their
son or daughter was going to Harvard. At the private high school
John attended, no other students were going into the military.
"But aren't the Marines terribly Southern?" asked one perplexed
mother while standing next to me at the brunch following
graduation. "What a waste, he was such a good student," said
another parent. One parent (a professor at a nearby and rather
famous university) spoke up at a school meeting and suggested
that the school should "carefully evaluate what went wrong."
When John graduated from three months of boot camp on Parris
Island, 3,000 parents and friends were on the parade deck
stands. We parents and our Marines not only were of many races
but also were representative of many economic classes. Many
were poor. Some arrived crammed in the backs of pickups, others
by bus. John told me that a lot of parents could not afford the
trip.
We in the audience were white and Native American. We were
Hispanic, Arab and African American and Asian. We were former
Marines wearing the scars of battle, or at least baseball caps
emblazoned with battles' names. We were Southern whites from
Nashville and skinheads from New Jersey, black kids from
Cleveland wearing ghetto rags and white ex-cons with ham-hock
forearms defaced by jailhouse tattoos. We would not have been
mistaken for the educated and well-heeled parents gathered on
the lawns of John's private school a half-year before.
After graduation one new Marine told John, "Before I was a
Marine, if I had ever seen you on my block I would've probably
killed you just because you were standing there." This was a
serious statement from one of John's good friends, an African
American ex-gang member from Detroit who, as John said, "would
die for me now, just like I'd die for him."
My son has connected me to my country in a way that I was too
selfish and insular to experience before. I feel closer to the
waitress at our local diner than to some of my oldest friends.
She has two sons in the Corps. They are facing the same dangers
as my boy. When the guy who fixes my car asks me how John is
doing, I know he means it. His younger brother is in the Navy.
Why were I and the other parents at my son's private school so
surprised by his choice? During World War II, the sons and
daughters of the most powerful and educated families did their
bit. If the idea of the immorality of the Vietnam War was the
only reason those lucky enough to go to college dodged the
draft, why did we not encourage our children to volunteer for
military service once that war was done?
Have we wealthy and educated Americans all become pacifists? Is
the world a safe place? Or have we just gotten used to having
somebody else defend us? What is the future of our democracy
when the sons and daughters of the janitors at our elite
universities are far more likely to be put in harm's way than
are any of the students whose dorms their parents clean?
I feel shame because it took my son's joining the Marine Corps
to make me take notice of who is defending me. I feel hope
because perhaps my son is part of a future "greatest
generation." As the storm clouds of war gather, at least I know
that I can look the men and women in uniform in the eye. My son
is one of them. He is the best I have to offer. He is my heart.
"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman."
John Adams
It always amazes to me that the 'anti-war' people can't realize
that if they would just keep most of their vile thoughts to
themselves that any war could be over sooner with fewer
casualties. I spent some time in Vietnam and I am convinced
that if the 'anti-war' crowd at that time (the traitor Jane for
example) had just said 'I don't agree with what we are doing but
I respect the USA attempt to help the Vietnamese and keep my
mouth shut'. If that had happened, Vietnam would be a democracy
today and many, many American lives would have been saved. The
same is true today. If the 'loyal' opposition would make ONE
statement that they do not agree with the Presidents decision to
go to war (approved by many of the same people by the way) but
that they will support him and the troops who are fighting until
it's over, many of our brave men and woman would probably be
home by now. These traitors only embolden our enemies and extend
the wars they are so eager to end. Let the professionals do
their job, keep your mouth shut until it's over and then you can
protest all you want. I have seen many bumper stickers and signs
that say 'support the troops, end the war' I say 'support the
troops, let them win the war!'
Ben Colletti CPL, USMC Vietnam 67-68
"Just wanted to let you know, Bill Nulti, Marine, died this AM.
He carried a flame thrower on Iwo Jima and later a pistol into
the tunnels there I was not there, I am younger by a generation
but I was in Rhodesia and Vietnam with the British Army. Bill
was a friend."
J Dabnor
"Are you willing to spend time studying the issues, making
yourself aware, and then conveying that information to family
and friends? Will you resist the temptation to get a government
handout for your community? "
Ronald Reagan
Sgt. Grit, We had the pleasure of meeting Marines from Camp
LeJeune, NC during Fleet Week in NYC a few weeks ago. I wanted
to extend a big thank you to them. They were wonderful with the
children showing them their weapons and such. A sniper Marine
even gave my son his war paint (something he has been wanting
for a long time). Just goes to show that Marines are and always
will be the very BEST. Enclosed is a picture of my son trying
out a sniper rifle with the help of a Marine. Thank you all
Marines and special thanks to the Marines from Camp LeJeune.
Sincerely, Irene Marine Supporter :)
Good Day Sgt. Grit - Just finished reading my 12 June
Newsletter. Once again, the postings on the newsletter got this
Marines emotions flowing. Your Newsletter is always a joy to
receive. I have sent a couple of letters (postings) in the past
and enjoy being able to communicate feelings to other Marines
and their Families. To the Proud Parent of Brad, (who was
nameless), I know that feeling well. I posted a note when my
Son left for Iraq and when he returned. Those days, weeks and
months in between are enough to make a Parent lose their mind.
It is horrible when you here the news and they announce American
troops killed, another Marine/Soldier killed by road side bomb,
by ambush or mortar attack at a FOB. The hours of relentless
sleep and nerve racking hours following that announcement can
not be fully described in words. Only the Parent of that Marine
or Soldier can know that feeling. Know that there are many of
us out here that have and will continue to have those feelings
with you. We can only pray for their safe return and the safety
of all our troops in harms way.
To Kate Coffman - Your posting was awesome, the video brought
tears to my eyes, remembering when my Son returned from Iraq.
Thank you for sharing that with us. Semper Fi Cpl Zander Behnke
and all Marines near and far. God bless you and bring you home
safe to your Family, your immediate Family and your Marine
Family. Ooh-Rah!
J.D. Sgt of Marines
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed
and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks
that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has
nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more
important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature
and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the
exertions of better men than himself. "
John Stuart Mill
Sgt. Grit,
I can hardly believe that my son's 5 yr enlistment is almost up.
He starts his terminal leave August 4th and will be separated on
Sep 8. It just doesn't seem possible that these 5 yrs have gone
this quickly. But, the Corps has been a tremendously positive
influence in him. One of his goals when he went in was to make
the rank of Sgt within his 5 yrs...he was just promoted to Sgt.
on May 1 of this yr. And how handsome he looks in his dress
blues with those 3 stripes. What a difference I see in him and
other young men his age. I work as a police/fire/911 dispatcher
and I see so many that could use a good kick from the Corps to
straighten them out.
I'm somewhat sad about his leaving because I feel like I'm
leaving old friends behind. I wonder if I can still be called a
Marine Mom? He is "once a Marine, always a Marine" so am I "once
a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom?" I've been asked what I'm
going to do with all the Marine Corps stickers and stuff on my
car when he gets out and I reply...they stay right where they
are, he's still a Marine! Do other moms and dads go through this
as well? If I know the USMC family, and I think I do, I am sure
I can still say that I am a Marine Mom!
SEMPER FI, Proud Marine Mom of Sgt. Clark - HMX-1 AVI
I will never be 1st lady Nor grace a movie screen I'll never be
world famous Nor will I be a queen But I would never change my
lot With any that I've seen For you see I am the mother of a
UNITED STATES MARINE & my JANNA KATHLEEN
Victoria
For CPL Mike Kunkel L/3/8
The following is about a Texas Marine that served with L/3/8 in
WWll.
Meta In our Shelby Cemetery there about three dozen veterans
buried. There is only one Marine buried there.
Of the three dozen veterans buried there, only one was killed in
combat. That one killed in combat is that one
Marine.
Emmet Lee Veith joined the Marine Corps after Pearl Harbor,
landed on Tarawa(Bloody Tarawa) was wounded,
recovered, and rejoined his unit. He landed on Saipan and was
killed June 19, 1944, one day after his twenty
third birthday.
Of his father and two uncles he was the only son born. Because
of his death the Veith family name will cease in
this area. At this Fathers Day Weekend, I think of the Fathers
days he gave up with his father; and with his children.
NO, Freedom is not free.
We expect and require a lot of our Marines.....
and they meet or exceed.
Semper Fidelis
Ken Mathis
U S M C 59-63
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep
you there."
John Wooden
I found my first copy of Sgt. Grit in a laundry room in Tallil,
Iraq in 2006. I have since ordered many things, and passed my
copies around to many of my friends. The sad part of this story
is that I had died 9 months earlier, and I woke up in the Ga.
National Guard with a dirty 4 letter word on my shirt that said
ARMY. LOL, I have been in the guard for 2 yrs and 11 months,
and spent 17 months of that deployed. I am proud of my service
in the guard, and I serve with some of the best soldiers you
can find anywhere.
About 1/3 of the unit I serve in is former Marine, and having
served with the Corps, and now with the Army, I can verify
that they do try to compare themselves with us daily. All the
former Marines in the unit are treated with a lot of respect,
and we constantly hear the question " Is this how the Marines
do it?"
I am still Marine, even though the tag says ARMY, and all my
troopers will tell you that. We all miss the Corps, and we
still maintain the highest standards in everything that we do,
just like we learned in the Corps.
I served in Liberia in 1990, Desert Storm in 90-91, and Bosnia
in 1993, with the Corps. I served in Iraq with the 48th
Infantry in the Triangle of Death in 2005-2006, and we have
orders for Afghanistan in 2009. I served in the Corps from
1987-2000 and after a 5 yr break went straight into some of
the worst places in Iraq with the Army.
This just proves that the change is forever, because even in
an elite Army unit, the former Marines still stand out.
Just so you know, I may wear the Army nametape, but when it's
time to go west, I'll be in Marine dress blues.
Semper Fi,
Sgt. J.M. Wilson
A Troop 108th Recon Ga.
48th Infantry Brigade
Sgt Grit,
I just wanted to share with you my Memorial Day.
My son Matthew is involved in the Silver Lake Young Marine unit
here in Coeur d"alene Idaho. This Memorial Day I was so proud to
be standing at the Memorial Gardens as I was surrounded by many
retired Marines and service men from all branches. The walks
were lined with our country's flags standing tall just as if
they were soldiers. I believe it was the first time in years
that I was at a public function and all who were there stood for
our country's flag and also sang the national anthem. There was
such patriotism and my heart welled with pride. As the color
guard approached I could only imagine what many of these men and
women had gone through in fighting and serving time for our
country and my freedom. As I watched my son and the others walk
in step behind the Marine colour guard I was reminded that there
are still many who love this country and would gladly give their
lives for it. It was an honor to participate and partake in this
ceremony. The most amazing part was hearing the bell rung for
each name that was called for those who have gone home to glory.
Thank you to all who have sacrificed. My family is indebted to
you for our freedom. May God Bless each of you.
Respectfully and Full To Overflowing in Gratitude,
Liz Benjamin -- Ma B!
"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not to run
their lives. "
Ronald Reagan
To you guys in the Corps.
Sgt. Grit, I am a disabled Vet. from the post Viet Nam era
and never saw any action but I just wanted to say that when I
was on board ship, I never felt more comfortable than when you
guys were on board ship watching our butts! My hats off to you
and all other Marines that serve in the places of the world
where there is tyranny and injustice. But most of all, I thank
all of you who have put your lives at risk to protect me and
mine. God keep you in his hands and watch over you with His
mighty sword and His M-16, that is if He has one! Again, I
cannot express enough how much I do appreciate what you and
yours have done for me and mine! SEMPER FI!
From an old squid,
Gary Biggs
P.S. Watch your six Devil Dogs!
"Once upon another time, namely Franklin Roosevelt’s, most of a
group of German saboteurs that had infiltrated this country were
caught, tried by a military tribunal that was convened by
executive order for that purpose, promptly convicted and then
executed - all within seven weeks. Can anyone imagine that kind of
swift and effective justice from this court?"
Paul Greenberg
"Yet another U.S. Marine, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, had charges
dropped Tuesday in the so-called Haditha massacre - bringing the
total number of Marines who’ve been cleared or won case
dismissals in the Iraq war incident to seven. ‘Undue command
influence’ on the prosecution led to the outcome in Chessani’s
case. Bottom line: That’s zero for seven for military
prosecutors, with one trial left to go."
Michelle Malkin
I received a call from a Marine son thanking me for sending his
father a catalog. He said his Dad really liked and appreciated
the catalog. Turns out his Dad is retired SgtMaj. Served with
Chesty in Korea and 1/9 in Vietnam. He then told me this story.
In their town in Texas a Marine was killed in Iraq. The anti-
everything crazy church group from Kansas showed up at the
funeral. The Patriot Guard was there and so was the SgtMaj. He
got in his car pulled up in front of Kansas crazies and played
his Marines Hymn car horn over and over and over again. The
Kansas crazies complained to the police who just laughed and
said he was exercising his free speech rights.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Sgt Grit my son just came back from Iraq in may and he just got
married on Saturday June 14th in Cleveland Ohio and while the
reception was in progress the Marine Corps league was having a
convention at the same hotel the men and women came over to the
reception and got my son and his new wife and took them over to
their banquet and he received a standing ovation when they
entered the room then he gave a little talk on Iraq and then
they came back to the reception.
Mark Oknefski
"An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led
by a sheep."
Arabian Proverb
Hi there, I am on your catalog email list, blah blah blah.
I know folks write letters to you and I was just wondering if
you all have heard of Snowball Express or had anyone write in
about it?
http://www.snowballexpress.org
It is a non-profit for families of Fallen Heroes. Many of the
Auxiliaries, Gold Star Families and TAPS are behind the success
of Snowball. I'd like to get the word out and perhaps you will
think it is a good organization too. They are hoping to bring
it to Texas in 2009. Thanks for your time. Bunny Brainerd
SBExpress Family coordinator, American Airlines Flight Attendant
and wife of VietNam vet.
Sgt. Grit, I was in a hotel in Dearborn, MI in March. This is
Final Four time. Everybody is here for basketball, mostly. I'm
in an elevator heading to my floor and everybody is a Jayhawk
fan. The gentlemen across from me notices my sweatshirt and
asked where I served. I replied "I haven't had the privilege,
Sir. I'm the proud father of a Marine who is getting married
here today." He inquired as to duty, I replied with the answers
and in the process was pulling my son's picture from my wallet.
That is a reflex reaction of Marine Dads and Moms. Did I
mention the smile of pride on my face? I saw his as well.
Out comes his ID -- retired O-5 and introduces me to his wife --
retired CIA. Just the three of us, and it sounds hokey, but
time stopped as we shook hands and introduced ourselves. The
ride was too short and I got off at their floor and I don't
know how long we stood there and talked. Still too short and
more stories to exchange but we each needed to get someplace. I
thanked them both for their service and they asked me to give
their best to my son and his soon-to-be new wife, and I headed
down the corridor and the LTC asked me "Is this your floor?" We
were on 7 and I told him the elevator I was heading to 9. He
did save me from attempting an embarrassing entry into someone
else's room.
Just like most people writing about episodes like this, I don't
remember his name. I just remember how nice and courteous his
wife were and the all-to-brief exchange we had. And it both
calmed me down and energized me because I had been outside
pacing around the hotel trying to get my words straight for the
toast I was expected to make at the wedding reception.
And my words came easier a few hours later and his service to
his beloved Country and Corps was included in my toast. And
following my toast came that of his Best Man, who also cited my
son's courage and heroism in battle. My thanks to a Marine
Lieutenant Colonel and his Lady out there who don't know that
they gave me that little added encouragement to say a little bit
more that was already in my heart.
You do meet the best class of people when you go out in public
with your gear and wear your pride.
And for those Marines out there who haven't gotten the word yet
-- Sergeant Kristopher Benson, 3/7, Weapons,
81s Platoon (currently IRR) tied the knot on 3/29/08 to the
very lovely former Ms. Jaime Robinson.
Proud Marine Dad and SMAO -- s/f Dennis Benson
"When the defects of others are perceived with so much clarity,
it is because one possesses them oneself. "
Jules Renard
I just read Bill Obers letter. It makes me so d*mn mad that
those little pinkos could disrupt something so special. Those
people would probably be the first in a disaster looking for the
Marines to save there sorry butts. they are a bunch of miserable
human beings period. When and if they get to the gates of
heaven I hope which ever Marine is on duty kicks their sorry
butts the other direction. Sad to think our boys are dying to
give them the right to be disrespectful . I hope to god they
never show up at an event I attend because I know my big mouth
with over ride common sense. I come from a family of 5
generations of Marines and cant imagine anyone ever being
disrespectful to the Corps. We buried my older brother who
served in Korea last fall, with full military service I have
never been to such a beautiful service all made possible by the
Corps . The Marine Corps league stood by him throughout. thank
you to all the Marines past and present for being there for all
of us.
Lucy Borum
Sgt Grit, I found this on www.downrange.tv a forum for shooters
and gun owners Thomas B.
The USMC in Afghanistan.....
This provides a little insight into the modern Marine Corps
fighting terrorists. This is from a Reconnaissance Marine
currently in Afghanistan. He talks like a Marine in the field-
and he is worthy of our thoughts and prayers as are all of our
military deployed in some God-forsaken place.
It's freezing here. I'm sitting on hard, cold dirt between rocks
and shrubs at the base of the Hindu Kush mountains along the Dar
'yoi Pomir River watching a hole that leads to a tunnel that
leads to a cave. Stake out, my friend, and no pizza delivery for
thousands of miles.
I also glance at the area around my a$s every ten to fifteen
seconds to avoid another scorpion sting. I've actually given up
battling the chiggers and sand fleas, but them scorpions give a
jolt like a cattle prod. Hurts like a b*stard.
The antidote tastes like transmission fluid but God bless the
Marine Corps for the five vials of it in my pack.
The one truth the Taliban cannot escape is that, believe it or
not, they are human beings, which means they have to eat food
and drink water. That requires couriers and that's where an old
bounty hunter like me comes in handy. I track the couriers,
locate the tunnel entrances and storage facilities, type the
info into the handheld, shoot the coordinates up to the
satellite link that tells the air commanders where to drop the
hardware, we bash some heads for a while, then I track and
record the new movement.
It's all about intelligence. We haven't even brought in the
snipers yet. These scurrying rats have no idea what they're in
for. We are but days away from cutting off supply lines and
allowing the eradication to begin.
I dream of Bin Laden waking up to find me standing over him
with my boot on his throat as I spit a bloody ear into his face
and plunge my nickel-plated Bowie knife through his frontal
lobe. But you know me. I'm a romantic. I've said it before and
Ill say it again: This country blows, man. It's not even a
country. There are no roads, there's no infrastructure, there's
no government. This is an inhospitable, rockpit, sh!thole ruled
by eleventh century warring tribes. There are no jobs here like
we know jobs.
Afghanistan offers two ways for a man to support his family:
join the opium trade or join the army. That's it. Those are your
options. Oh, I forgot, you can also live in a refugee camp and
eat plum-sweetened, crushed beetle paste and squirt mud like a
goose with stomach flu if that's your idea of a party. But the
smell alone of those 'tent cities of the walking dead' is enough
to hurl you into the poppy fields to cheerfully scrape bulbs for
eighteen hours a day.
I've been living with these Tajiks and Uzbeks and Turkmen and
even a couple of Pushtins for over a month and a half now and
this much I can say for sure: These guys, all of em, are Huns.
Actual, living Huns. They LIVE to fight. Its what they do. Its
ALL they do.
They have no respect for anything, not for their families or for
each other or for themselves. They claw at one another as a way
of life. They play polo with dead calves and force their five-
year-old sons into human cockfights to defend the family honor.
Huns, roaming packs of savage, heartless beasts who feed on each
others barbarism. Cavemen with AK 47's. Then again, maybe I'm
just cranky.
I'm freezing my a$s off on this stupid hill because my lap
warmer is running out of juice and I can't recharge it until the
sun comes up in a few hours.
Oh yeah! You like to write letters, right? Do me a favor,
Bizarre. Write a letter to CNN and tell Wolf and Anderson and
that awful, sneering, pompous Aaron Brown to stop calling the
Taliban 'smart.' They are not smart. I suggest CNN invest in a
dictionary because the word they are looking for is 'cunning.'
The Taliban are cunning, like jackals and hyenas and wolverines.
They are sneaky and ruthless and, when confronted, cowardly.
They are hateful, malevolent parasites who create nothing and
destroy everything else. Smart. Pfft. Yeah, they're real smart.
They've spent their entire lives reading only one book (and not
a very good one, as books go) and consider hygiene and indoor
plumbing to be products of the devil. They're still figuring out
how to work a Bic lighter. Talking to a Taliban warrior about
improving his quality of life is like trying to teach an ape how
to hold a pen; eventually he just gets frustrated and sticks you
in the eye with it.
OK, enough. Snuffle will be up soon so I have to get back to my
hole. Covering my tracks in the snow takes a lot of practice but
I'm good at it. Please, I tell you and my fellow Americans to
turn off the TV sets and move on with your lives.
The story line you are getting from CNN and other news agencies
is utter bullsh!t and designed not to deliver truth but rather
to keep you glued to the screen through the commercials. We've
got this one under control. The worst thing you guys can do
right now is sit around analyzing what we're doing over here
because you have no idea what we're doing and, really, you don't
want to know. We are your military and we are doing what you
sent us here to do.
You wanna help? Buy Bonds America.
Saucy Jack
Semper Fidelis
"In this era of big government, we sometimes forget that many of
our proudest achievements as a nation came not through
government, but through private citizens, individuals whose
genius and generosity flourished in this climate of freedom."
Ronald Reagan
This is in response to Debra Bowers in Sparks, Nevada
After reading the first story in this weeks' newsletter I felt a
fire lit under me. I wanted to come out to Nevada and give some
folks a stern talking to. I agree with you, shame on those who
asked you to stop wearing your t-shirts. Those shirts are
representative of EXACTLY what your young Marine is fighting
for, Your first amendment right to free speech. This right and
others are the rights we have had many a Marine, Sailor, Soldier
and Airman fight and die for. I hope you'll make that point to
those who decided they were the fashion police and are able to
wear your shirts to work again. I think we all get flack about
our support for our armed service men and women but I won't
waiver because they won't. Stay strong and I pray that your
Marine and all Marines come home safely.
Jessica Lewis Proud wife of LCpl. Lewis
Way to go Debra! Semper Fi. Wear that shirt under
clothing. Display those decals proudly. My son is also a Marine
Lieutenant, stationed at Camp Lejeune. On May 13, his Battalion
arrived safely back at camp after a 7 month deployment. The 3/1
was the first Marine Battalion to return without a casualty. I
also have the Marine Dad decals on my car. A few months ago I
was riding on the freeway and a large Harley biker roared along
side of me, with his thumb up in the air, he yelled, "Semper
Fi". Just a few weeks after that I was picking up my order at
the Taco Bell drive-thru and a young man, in a Marine cut stuck
his body out the window to shake my hand. He said, "OOO Rah,
sir, thank your son for us. I served during the invasion."
There are so many opportunities to wear great Marine gear (from
Sgt. Grit) and have people approach you. Be proud and thank you
son for all of us.
Jim Jackson Waukesha, WI
My blood is boiling re: Debra Bowers story about her being told
not to wear her Marine shirts to work. I am a very proud mother
of a Marine. My son is a Marine going on 16 years now. He's on
his way back for another tour of Iraq, leaving behind a wife and
3 small sons. The gall of these people to condemn our "heroes",
while they go on every day in their selfish little world, taking
all for granted. I have a big sticker on the back of my car
that says "If you can't stand behind our troops, STAND IN FRONT
OF THEM". Because of our kids fighting, these people are given
the right to free speech and show what ignorant idiots they
really are. I wish we could have them walk in our soldiers
shoes for just one day and see what they have to say, if they
survive it.
I love my country and nobody will ever stop me from speaking or
wearing what I want to show my Patriotism. It's the Land of the
Free, BECAUSE of the Brave and people need to be reminded of
that!
Proud Marine Mom, Pat Kelly New York
You recently published an article written by one of our
employees regarding her being asked not to wear a t-shirt that
displayed a patriotic message. Please be assured that the issue
was NOT the patriotic message that was displayed, but the
inappropriate, unprofessional style of her t-shirt. Lest anyone
get an incorrect perspective of Washoe County and of our
Department, we’d appreciate you publishing the attached
clarification article. Thank you so much!
Cherie Collins (775-325-7818)
Washoe County Juvenile Services
I have reviewed the article printed in your publication that was
sent to you by Debra Bowers in reference to the direction she
received from Washoe County Juvenile Services supervisory staff
and their personal appearance standards. Washoe County Juvenile
Services does have a dress code policy which states in part,
“Business attire appropriate for the employee’s position and
work responsibilities must be worn. The immediate supervisor
will determine whether clothing and footwear are appropriate for
job conditions.” The Department has communicated to staff that
crew neck t-shirts are not appropriate workplace attire, and the
employee was advised that crew neck t-shirts are not appropriate
attire.
The policy further states, “ To maintain a neutral environment
for the just adjudication of matters before the Department,
employees must not display commercial or non-commercial emblems
or advertising advocating any organization or cause.” The
mission of Washoe County Juvenile Services is to help create a
safer community by providing a continuum of sanctions and sociali
zation services to at-risk youth and their families. Juvenile
Services, in its activities and programs, is committed to
maintaining a neutral environment.
I hope the above clarifies Washoe County Juvenile Services’
responsibilities in meeting its obligations to the community
and at risk youth and their families. Please feel to contact
Cherie Collins at (775) 325-7818 if you have questions.
Mike Pomi, Director, Washoe County Juvenile Services
"The government of the United States is a definite government,
confined to specified objects. It is not like the state
governments, whose powers are more general. Charity is no part
of the legislative duty of the government."
James Madison
to Debra Bowers wear the d*mn shirt, tell the un patriotic
fools to kiss your a** from an old gunny sgt
Good news about the war is hard to come by. See below.
Read the story...
Pacifism is a Luxury Paid for by Warriors
I've Got a Marine And I'm Not Afraid to Use Him
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:
You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?
In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member
stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic
quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give
supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.
The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are
interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps
Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might
understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter
(every other week) - More about the newsletter
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